Phoenicobiella schwarzii
This record describes Phoenicobiella schwarzii (species). Recorded family: Anthribidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The male antennae can be quite long, extending to nearly twice the body length. The antennae of the female are much shorter extending from 1/2 to 3/4 the body length. Texas considers this sp. a SGCN Type Locality: Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX (Schaeffer 1906)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Anthribidae (Fungus Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Anthribinae
- Tribe
- Platystomini
- Genus
- Phoenicobiella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"Taken inside of a dead leaf stem of Sabal mexicana " (Schaeffer 1906) ( 3 ) E. G. Riley (pers. obser., August 2008) reports collecting a series of spmns in southern Tamaulipas, Mexico, by beating the overhanging roof of a native home thatched with palm fronds.(!)
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Co.) / ne. Mex. (Tamaulipas). - Map
Seasonal Activity
Summary of compiled Texas collecting events by month: March,, May, June, July, August, October. ,(BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: named for Eugene Amandus Schwarz (1844 - 1928), an American entomologist who specialised in Coleoptera.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phoenicobiella schwarzii. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Phoenicobiella schwarzii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenicobiella schwarzii
What is Phoenicobiella schwarzii?
Phoenicobiella schwarzii is a species in the family Anthribidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phoenicobiella schwarzii?
Large, 6.4-12.2 mm.
How do you identify Phoenicobiella schwarzii?
The male antennae can be quite long, extending to nearly twice the body length. The antennae of the female are much shorter extending from 1/2 to 3/4 the body length.
Where is Phoenicobiella schwarzii found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Taken inside of a dead leaf stem of Sabal mexicana (Schaeffer 1906) ( 3 ) E. G. Riley (pers. obser., August 2008) reports collecting a series of spmns in southern Tamaulipas, Mexico, by beating the overhanging roof of a native home thatched with palm fronds.(!) |
| Range | southmost TX (Hidalgo & Cameron Co.) / ne. Mex. (Tamaulipas). - Map |
When is Phoenicobiella schwarzii active?
Phoenicobiella schwarzii: seasonal activity - Summary of compiled Texas collecting events by month: March,, May, June, July, August, October. ,(BG data).